Brampton Adult Soccer Cup 2005 - Preview

August 25, 2005 -- We cannot talk about favourites without beginning with Division I League Champions, KCM Ambassadors. This side finished their campaign with an enviable 12-1-2 record and has arguably the stingiest defense in the Division. Expect the disciplined style of KCM to overwhelm most opponents and don't look for them to exit this tournament any time soon.

“ The Champs ”

The colonel has KFC in top form and their youthful exuberance means they can play the beautiful game for the full 90, a claim most other squads cannot make. A "delicious blend of 11 herbs and spices" likely won't win many soccer

matches, but 11 talented players will. Their early season woes seemed to have dissipated somewhat and expect a good showing providing KFC's roster remains intact. Snack pack, anyone?

You'd be foolish to discount all Division II teams on the simple basis that they joined to play a recreational game. Division II powerhouse, Samba Squad aren't likely to roll over. Although still considered by League pundits to be somewhat of an underdog, they have the most effective defense in the League allowing a mere 9 goals in 15 matches. Remember, offense may win games, but defense wins tournaments.

After winning the 2004 Division II Cup, The A-team made the successful jump to Division I. Lingering around the top of the table for most of season would indicate that they are not be taken lightly. Expect the experience of this side to be a huge plus when needed and if disciplined soccer

can be maintained, The A-team should be in the hunt and I "pity the fool" who thinks otherwise.

You know you have a good thing going when you're known in League circles as simply "The Champs". Richview Utd proudly holds title to two consecutive League Cup Championships and are hungry for the three-peat. This side went undefeated in 2003 and lost only a single game in 2004, so seeing 3 losses in 2005 came as a bit of a surprise. Richview, however, has seemed to put the adversity behind them; dropping only 2 points in their last 7 matches and throttling a few opponents along the way. Experience is everything in this game. Richview knows the grind and what needs to be done to overcome it. An early exit is predicted by no one.

If the standings were closely followed, no one would give Structform Strikers a fighting chance. Although firmly planted in the middle of the Division I table, this side has lost only once in their last 9 match-ups. A long run in the Cup should surprise no one and opponents who take Structform lightly do so at their own peril.

Looking to prove that Division II status is meaningless, the hombres of Sur Latino could find themselves in the later stages of the Cup. A favourable Cup draw and a defense that gave up less than 1 goal/game could aid this side well. Excelente!!!

After years of false starts and a few flirts with glory, Armada is sailing smoothly. Building on the glory of a Winter Indoor Division I Championship, Armada finished their outdoor campaign comfortably in the top half of the Division I table. If they bring their best to the pitch, they will be hard to sink and Armada has a few torpedoes of her own.

Finishing the schedule with 5 wins, Division I runners-up Xavier United look to make an impression in their freshman BAS season. Playing the game at an admirable pace, this side is one of only two Div I teams to record more than 10 wins in the season. A long Cup run and a chance at the ultimate is certainly not a stretch.

So who will it be? Which team has the fortitude and skill to play this game consistently, avoid card trouble and suspensions, win 5 consecutive matches and claim title to the 2005 Cup Championship? Pour over the statistics. Analyze the match-ups. Consult your psychic. But, at the end of the day, only one thing can be said for certain....Your guess is as good as mine. Good Luck to all sides and may the best team win.